Lent Begins

Today the holy season of Lent begins with the distribution of ashes, a sign of our call to conversion, repentance, and the ancient ascetical practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In a special way, this Lent should also be a time to focus our prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and his successor, and for the entire Church, in the wake of the Holy Father’s startling announcement on 12 February that he would resign the papacy effective at 8:00 p.m. February 28, 2013.

May the Holy Spirit be our guide and companion throughout this entire season of prayer and penance.

For those who read French, short meditations for Lent are being offered free of charge by the Sulpician seminary at Issy-les-Moulineaux. You may enroll by following the link here. Today’s meditation was created by the Rector, Father Didier BERTHET.

Blessed Lent to all!